Shocking detail in Bunnings aisle leaves shopper speechless
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As the chill of winter begins to settle across Australia, many Aussies look for ways to keep their homes warm and toasty.
The seasonal shift means that heaters are flying off the shelves, replacing the fans of summer in our favourite stores.
However, according to one Bunnings shopper, not all heaters are created equal, and some could send your energy bills through the roof.
Sustainability advocate Sarah Aubrey was browsing the warehouse's heater aisle when a troubling detail many might overlook struck her.
Almost every portable heater, regardless of size, boasted a power consumption of at least 2000 watts.
As someone deeply interested in sustainable energy, Sarah was 'shocked' to see how 'energy hungry' these devices were.
In comparison, split cycle wall units use around 1000 watts to heat a room and then drop to 300-400 watts to maintain the temperature.
The difference in energy consumption is stark and could mean the difference between an affordable energy bill and financial strain.
Sarah shared her discovery on social media and expressed her concerns about the hidden costs of 'bargain' heaters.
'[Wall split systems] shouldn't just be for people who can afford to put them in,' she said.
'We have cheap bills, but what about the rest? There needs to be a minimum standard.'
According to Finder's Energy Expert Mariam Gabaji, the average cost of using a portable heater for four hours a day throughout winter is approximately $228.
In contrast, a more energy-efficient reverse cycle split system would cost around $127 for the same usage.
She said reverse cycle split systems are more efficient as they draw heat from outside air rather than generating heat.
The downside of this heating system is the upfront cost of purchasing and installation, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
However, these systems can save money in the long run and double as a cooling system during summer.
Aubrey and Gabaji recommend oil heaters as one of the most energy-efficient alternatives for those unable to install a wall split system.
Sarah cut her electricity bills significantly by installing an energy-efficient wall-split air conditioner and enhancing insulation in her home.
She also replaced gas appliances with their electric counterparts.
Houses with proper insulation, draught-proofing, and double-glazed windows retain heat far better than those without, leading to significantly lower energy bills.
However, Sarah points out that making these changes is not feasible for everyone, especially renters and those in social housing who cannot make permanent modifications.
She calls for a minimum standard in Australian housing, where properties must have insulation and at least one wall split system, with the responsibility falling on landlords.
As we brace ourselves for the colder months, we must be aware of the long-term costs associated with our heating choices.
When shopping for a heater, consider the price tag on the shelf and the impact on your energy bill and the environment. It's a decision that requires some thought and, potentially, some research.
How do you keep yourselves warm during the cool months? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below.
The seasonal shift means that heaters are flying off the shelves, replacing the fans of summer in our favourite stores.
However, according to one Bunnings shopper, not all heaters are created equal, and some could send your energy bills through the roof.
Sustainability advocate Sarah Aubrey was browsing the warehouse's heater aisle when a troubling detail many might overlook struck her.
Almost every portable heater, regardless of size, boasted a power consumption of at least 2000 watts.
As someone deeply interested in sustainable energy, Sarah was 'shocked' to see how 'energy hungry' these devices were.
In comparison, split cycle wall units use around 1000 watts to heat a room and then drop to 300-400 watts to maintain the temperature.
In a video, shopper and sustainability advocate Sarah Aubrey called for houses to have wall-split systems to be a requirement. Image Credit: TikTok/Sarah Aubrey
The difference in energy consumption is stark and could mean the difference between an affordable energy bill and financial strain.
Sarah shared her discovery on social media and expressed her concerns about the hidden costs of 'bargain' heaters.
'[Wall split systems] shouldn't just be for people who can afford to put them in,' she said.
'We have cheap bills, but what about the rest? There needs to be a minimum standard.'
According to Finder's Energy Expert Mariam Gabaji, the average cost of using a portable heater for four hours a day throughout winter is approximately $228.
In contrast, a more energy-efficient reverse cycle split system would cost around $127 for the same usage.
She said reverse cycle split systems are more efficient as they draw heat from outside air rather than generating heat.
The downside of this heating system is the upfront cost of purchasing and installation, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
However, these systems can save money in the long run and double as a cooling system during summer.
Aubrey and Gabaji recommend oil heaters as one of the most energy-efficient alternatives for those unable to install a wall split system.
Sarah cut her electricity bills significantly by installing an energy-efficient wall-split air conditioner and enhancing insulation in her home.
She also replaced gas appliances with their electric counterparts.
Houses with proper insulation, draught-proofing, and double-glazed windows retain heat far better than those without, leading to significantly lower energy bills.
However, Sarah points out that making these changes is not feasible for everyone, especially renters and those in social housing who cannot make permanent modifications.
She calls for a minimum standard in Australian housing, where properties must have insulation and at least one wall split system, with the responsibility falling on landlords.
As we brace ourselves for the colder months, we must be aware of the long-term costs associated with our heating choices.
When shopping for a heater, consider the price tag on the shelf and the impact on your energy bill and the environment. It's a decision that requires some thought and, potentially, some research.
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